Hour Loop, Inc
For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Mar 24, 2026.
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FY2025 · Filed Mar 24, 2026
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Item 11. Executive Compensation
2025 Summary Compensation Table
The following summary compensation table provides information regarding the compensation earned during our fiscal years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 to certain of our executive officers, who we collectively refer to as our “named executive officers”, or “NEOs”.
| Name and Position · Year · Salary ($) · Bonus ($) · Stock Awards ($) · Option Awards ($) · Non- Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) · Non- qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) · All Other Compensation ($) · Total ($) | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Lai | 2025 | 500,000 | 600,000 | - | - | - | - | 18,218 | (1) | $1,118,218 |
| Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer | 2024 | 500,000 | 600,000 | - | - | - | - | 15,546 | (2) | 1,115,546 |
| Maggie Yu | 2025 | 450,000 | 550,000 | - | - | - | - | 19,774 | (3) | 1,019,774 |
| Senior Vice President | 2024 | 450,000 | 550,000 | - | - | - | - | 16,991 | (4) | 1,016,991 |
| (1) | Includes healthcare benefits and 401(k) contribution of $10,174 and $8,044, respectively, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. |
| (2) | Includes healthcare benefits and 401(k) contribution of $8,827 and $6,719, respectively, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. |
| (3) | Includes healthcare benefits and 401(k) contribution of $11,730 and $8,044, respectively, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. |
| (4) | Includes healthcare benefits and 401(k) contribution of $10,332 and $6,659, respectively, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. |
Employment Agreements
On May 27, 2021, we entered into an Executive Employment Agreement with each of Mr. Lai and Ms. Yu. Mr. Lai’s agreement, as amended, provides that he will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Ms. Yu’s agreement, as amended, provides that she will serve as the Senior Vice President of the Company.
Each of the employment agreements, as amended, has a three-year term, which automatically extends for additional terms of one year each unless either the Company or the applicable executive provides notice to the other party of their desire to not so renew term. Each of the employment agreements, as amended, is “at will,” meaning that either the executive or the Company may terminate the executive’s employment at any time and for any reason, subject to certain payments and other actions as set forth below.
Mr. Lai’s agreement provided for an initial annual base salary of $500,000, and Ms. Yu’s agreement provided for an initial annual base salary of $450,000. Each of the base salaries may be subject to annual adjustments as determined in the discretion of the Board.
On February 26, 2024, we entered into Addendum No. 3 (the “Lai Addendum No. 3”) to Executive Employment Agreement, as amended, with Mr. Lai. Pursuant to the terms of the Lai Addendum No. 3, Mr. Lai’s bonus targets and payments were set as follows:
| ● | If the Company achieves breakeven (net profits (excluding taxes) is at least $0) during the 2024 fiscal year, Mr. Lai will receive a bonus equal to 50% of base salary. |
| ● | If the Company grows its net profits (excluding taxes) to at least $500,000 during the 2024 fiscal year, Mr. Lai will receive a bonus equal to 100% of base salary. |
In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Lai Addendum No. 3, Mr. Lai was entitled to receive a guaranteed bonus of $100,000 on December 27, 2024.
Also on February 26, 2024, we entered into Addendum No. 3 (the “Yu Addendum No. 3”) to Executive Employment Agreement, as amended, with Ms. Yu. Pursuant to the terms of the Yu Addendum No. 3, Ms. Yu’s bonus targets and payments were set as follows:
| ● | If the Company acquires at least 100 new vendors during the 2024 fiscal year, Ms. Yu will receive a bonus equal to 50% of base salary. |
| ● | If the Company acquires at least 135 new vendors during the 2024 fiscal year, Ms. Yu will receive a bonus equal to 100% of base salary. |
In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Yu Addendum No. 3, Ms. Yu was entitled to receive a guaranteed bonus of $100,000 on December 27, 2024.
On March 14, 2025, we entered into Addendum No. 4 (the “Lai Addendum No. 4”) to Executive Employment Agreement, as amended, with Mr. Lai. Pursuant to the terms of the Lai Addendum No. 4, Mr. Lai’s bonus targets and payments were set as follows:
| ● | If the Company grows its net profits (excluding taxes and executives’ bonuses) to at least $500,000 during the 2025 fiscal year, Mr. Lai will receive a bonus equal to 50% of base salary. |
| ● | If the Company grows its net profits (excluding taxes and executives’ bonuses) to at least $1,000,000 during the 2025 fiscal year, Mr. Lai will receive a bonus equal to 100% of base salary. |
In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Lai Addendum No. 4, Mr. Lai was entitled to receive a guaranteed bonus of $100,000 on December 22, 2025.
Also on March 14, 2025, we entered into Addendum No. 4 (the “Yu Addendum No. 4”) to Executive Employment Agreement, as amended, with Ms. Yu. Pursuant to the terms of the Yu Addendum No. 4, Ms. Yu’s bonus targets and payments were set as follows:
| ● | If the Company acquires at least 100 new vendors during the 2025 fiscal year, Ms. Yu will receive a bonus equal to 50% of base salary. |
| ● | If the Company acquires at least 135 new vendors during the 2025 fiscal year, Ms. Yu will receive a bonus equal to 100% of base salary. |
In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Yu Addendum No. 4, Ms. Yu was entitled to receive a guaranteed bonus of $100,000 on December 22, 2025.
On August 5, 2025, we entered into Addendum No. 5 (the “Lai Addendum No. 5”) to Executive Employment Agreement, as amended, with Mr. Lai. Pursuant to the terms of the Lai Addendum No. 5, Mr. Lai’s bonus targets and payments were revised from Addendum No. 4, as follows:
| ● | If the Company grows its net profits (excluding taxes and executives’ bonuses) to at least $1,000,000 during the 2025 fiscal year, Mr. Lai will receive a bonus equal to 50% of base salary. |
| ● | If the Company grows its net profits (excluding taxes and executives’ bonuses) to at least $2,000,000 during the 2025 fiscal year, Mr. Lai will receive a bonus equal to 100% of base salary. |
In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Lai Addendum No. 5, Mr. Lai was entitled to receive a guaranteed bonus of $100,000 on December 27, 2024.
Also on August 5, 2025, we entered into Addendum No. 5 (the “Yu Addendum No. 5”) to Executive Employment Agreement, as amended, with Ms. Yu. Pursuant to the terms of the Yu Addendum No. 5, Ms. Yu’s bonus targets and payments were revised from Addendum No. 4, as follows:
| ● | If the Company grows its net profits (excluding taxes and executives’ bonuses) to at least $1,000,000 during the 2025 fiscal year, Mr. Lai will receive a bonus equal to 50% of base salary. |
| ● | If the Company grows its net profits (excluding taxes and executives’ bonuses) to at least $2,000,000 during the 2025 fiscal year, Mr. Lai will receive a bonus equal to 100% of base salary. |
In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Yu Addendum No. 5, Ms. Yu was entitled to receive a guaranteed bonus of $100,000 on December 27, 2024.
On February 24, 2026, we entered into Addendum No. 6 (the “Lai Addendum No. 6”) to Executive Employment Agreement, as amended, with Mr. Lai. Pursuant to the terms of the Lai Addendum No. 6, Mr. Lai’s bonus targets and payments were revised from Addendum No. 5, as follows:
| ● | If the Company grows its net profits (excluding taxes and executives’ bonuses) to at least $750,000 during the 2026 fiscal year, Mr. Lai will receive a bonus equal to 50% of base salary. |
| ● | If the Company grows its net profits (excluding taxes and executives’ bonuses) to at least $1,500,000 during the 2026 fiscal year, Mr. Lai will receive a bonus equal to 100% of base salary. |
In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Lai Addendum No. 6, Mr. Lai is entitled to receive a guaranteed bonus of $100,000 on December 22, 2026.
Also on February 24, 2026, we entered into Addendum No. 6 (the “Yu Addendum No. 6”) to Executive Employment Agreement, as amended, with Ms. Yu. Pursuant to the terms of the Yu Addendum No. 6, Ms. Yu’s bonus targets and payments were revised from Addendum No. 5, as follows:
| ● | If the Company acquires at least 100 new vendors during the 2026 fiscal year, Ms. Yu will receive a bonus equal to 50% of base salary. |
| ● | If the Company acquires at least 135 new vendors during the 2026 fiscal year, Ms. Yu will receive a bonus equal to 100% of her base salary. |
In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Yu Addendum No. 6, Ms. Yu is entitled to receive a guaranteed bonus of $100,000 on December 22, 2026.
Each of Mr. Lai’s and Ms. Yu’s agreements, as amended, provides that if at the Company’s request the executive attends any trade shows, events, or meetings which are independent of the executive’s responsibility under the applicable agreement, the Company will pay the executive $1,000 in cash per full day for such attendance or $500 in cash for a half day.
Each of Mr. Lai’s and Ms. Yu’s agreements, as amended, provides that at the end of each calendar quarter during the term, we will issue to the applicable executive a number of shares of common stock having a fair market value of $3,000 as of such date (with any partial quarter being pro-rated). The market value of the shares is determined as follows: (a) if the common stock is then listed for trading on the OTC Markets or a United States national securities exchange (as applicable, the “Trading Market”), the daily volume weighted average closing price of the common stock during the 20 trading day period immediately prior to the calculation date, (b) if the common stock is not then listed or quoted for trading on a Trading Market, and if prices for the common stock are then reported in the “Pink Sheets” published by OTC Markets Group, Inc., the most recent bid price per share of the common stock so reported, or (c) in all other cases, the fair market value of a share of common stock as is determined in good faith by the Board, without the involvement of the executive if the executive is then serving on the Board, after taking into consideration factors it deems appropriate. A “Trading Day” is any day on which the Trading Market is generally open for business and on which the common stock is then traded.
Mr. Lai’s and Ms. Yu’s agreements, as amended, each provides that they will be entitled to fringe benefits consistent with the practices of the Company, and to the extent we provide similar benefits to our executive officers; that we will reimburse each of them for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket business, entertainment and travel expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties; that they are entitled to a number of vacation days as generally provided to other executive officers from time to time; and that they are each, together with their spouses and legal dependents, entitled to participate equally in the health, dental and other benefit plans, which are available to our senior managers.
Mr. Lai’s and Ms. Yu’s agreements, as amended, provide for different results and payments on termination, based on whether the applicable agreement was terminated by the Company with or without “Cause”, or by the applicable executive with or without “Good Reason”.
For purposes of their agreements, “Cause” means any of the following:
| ● | a violation of any material written rule or policy of the Company for which violation any employee may be terminated pursuant to the written policies of the Company reasonably applicable to an executive employee; |
| ● | misconduct by the executive to the material detriment of the Company; |
| ● | the executive’s conviction (by a court of competent jurisdiction, not subject to further appeal) of, or pleading guilty to, a felony; |
| ● | the executive’s gross negligence in the performance of their duties and responsibilities to the Company as described in the applicable agreement; or |
| ● | the executive’s material failure to perform their duties and responsibilities to the Company as described in the agreement (other than any such failure resulting from the their incapacity due to physical or mental illness or any such failure subsequent to the executive being delivered a notice of termination without Cause by the Company or delivering a notice of termination for Good Reason to the Company), in either case after written notice from the Board (in the case of Mr. Lai) or from the Chief Executive Officer (in the case of Ms. Yu), which specifies the nature of such material failure and the executive’s failure to cure such material failure within 10 days following receipt of such notice. |
For purposes of their agreements, “Good Reason” means any of the following:
| ● | a material diminution by the Company of compensation and benefits (taken as a whole) provided to the executive; |
| ● | a reduction in base salary or target or maximum bonus, other than as part of an across-the-board reduction in salaries of management personnel; |
| ● | the relocation of the executive’s principal executive office to a location more than 50 miles further from the executive’s principal executive office immediately prior to such relocation; or |
| ● | a material breach by the Company of any of the terms and conditions of the applicable employment agreement which the Company fails to correct within 10 days after the Company receives written notice from the executive of such violation. |
In the event that we terminate the applicable agreement for “Cause”, or the applicable executive terminates their agreement without “Good Reason”, then we will pay to the applicable executive any unpaid base salary and benefits then owed or accrued, and any unreimbursed expenses, will issue to the applicable executive the shares as described above (i.e., the $3,000 of value of shares per calendar quarter) which have accrued as of such date; and any unvested portion of any equity granted to the applicable executive will be forfeited.
In the event that we terminate the applicable agreement without “Cause”, or the applicable executive terminates their agreement for “Good Reason”, in addition to the payments and issuances above, we will pay to the applicable executive, in one lump sum, an amount equal to the base salary that they would have been paid for the remainder of the initial three-year term (if such termination occurs during that initial term) or the one year renewal term (if such termination occurs during a renewal term), as applicable, and any equity grant already made to the executive shall, to the extent not already vested, be deemed automatically vested.
Pursuant to their agreements, as amended, in the event of Mr. Lai’s or Ms. Yu’s death or total disability, the applicable agreement will terminate on the date of death or total disability and we will pay to the applicable executive (or their estate) any unpaid base salary and benefits then owed or accrued and any unreimbursed expenses for which we have agreed to reimburse the applicable executive, plus a pro-rata bonus for the year of termination based on the executive’s target bonus for such year and the portion of such year in which the executive was employed through the date of such termination; and any unvested portion of any equity granted to the applicable executive will be forfeited as of the termination date.
If it is determined that any payment or benefit provided to either Mr. Lai or Ms. Yu under their respective agreements, as amended, would constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of section 280G of the Code, such that the payment would be subject to an excise tax (the “Excise Tax”) under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), we will pay to the applicable executive an additional amount (the “Gross-Up Payment”) such that the net amount of the Gross-Up Payment retained by the applicable executive after the payment of any Excise Tax and any federal, state and local income and employment tax on the Gross-Up Payment, will be equal to the Excise Tax due on the payment and any interest and penalties in respect of such Excise Tax. For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, the applicable executive will be deemed to pay federal income tax and employment taxes at the highest marginal rate of federal income and employment taxation in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation in the state and locality of the applicable executive’s residence (or, if greater, the state and locality in which the applicable executive is required to file a nonresident income tax return with respect to the payment) in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes that may be obtained from the deduction of such state and local taxes.
As a result of the uncertainty in the application of sections 4999 and 280G of the Code, it is possible that the Gross-Up Payments either will have been made which should not have been made, or will not have been made which should have been made, by the Company (an “Excess Gross-Up Payment” or a “Gross-Up Underpayment,” respectively). If it is established pursuant to (A) a final determination of a court for which all appeals have been taken and finally resolved or the time for all appeals has expired, or (B) an Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) proceeding which has been finally and conclusively resolved, that an Excess Gross-Up Payment has been made, such Excess Gross-Up Payment shall be deemed for all purposes to be a loan to the executive made on the date the executive received the Excess Gross-Up Payment and the executive shall repay the Excess Gross-Up Payment to the Company either (i) on demand, if the executive is in possession of the Excess Gross-Up Payment or (ii) upon the refund of such Excess Gross-Up Payment to the executive from the IRS, if the IRS is in possession of such Excess Gross-Up Payment, together with interest on the Excess Gross-Up Payment at (X) 120% of the applicable federal rate (as defined in Section 1274(d) of the Code) compounded semi-annually for any period during which the executive held such Excess Gross-Up Payment and (Y) the interest rate paid to the executive by the IRS in respect of any period during which the IRS held such Excess Gross-Up Payment. If a Gross-Up Underpayment occurs as determined under one or more of the following circumstances: (I) such determination is made by the Company (which shall include the position taken by the Company, together with its consolidated group, on its federal income tax return) or is made by the IRS, (II) such determination is made by a court, or (III) such determination is made upon the resolution to the executive’s satisfaction of the Dispute, then the Company shall pay an amount equal to the Gross-Up Underpayment to the executive within ten calendar days of such determination or resolution, together with interest on such amount at 120% of the applicable federal rate compounded semi-annually from the date such amount should have been paid to the executive pursuant to the terms of his or her employment agreement or otherwise, but for the operation of Section 4(c) of the employment agreements, until the date of payment.
Each of the two employment agreements, as amended, also contains a non-solicitation provision, wherein the executive agrees that, during the term of their agreement and for three years thereafter, the executive will not, directly or indirectly solicit or discuss with any of our employees, the employment of such Company employee by any other commercial enterprise other than Company, nor recruit, attempt to recruit, hire or attempt to hire any such Company employee on behalf of any commercial enterprise other than Company, provided that this provision will not prohibit the applicable executive from undertaking a general recruitment advertisement provided that it is not targeted towards any person identified above, or from hiring, employing or engaging any such person who responds to that general recruitment advertisement.
Each of the two employment agreements, as amended, also provides that, during the term, the applicable executive will be entitled to indemnification and insurance coverage for officers’ liability, fiduciary liability and other liabilities arising out of the executive’s position with the Company in any capacity, in an amount not less than the highest amount available to any other executive, and that such coverage and protections, with respect to the various liabilities as to which the executive has been customarily indemnified prior to termination of employment, will continue for at least six years following the end of the applicable term.
Each of the two employment agreements, as amended, contains customary representations and warranties by the parties, a provision for resolution of disputes by arbitration, customary confidentiality provisions, customary provisions relating to our ownership of intellectual property created by the applicable executive, and other customary miscellaneous provisions.
Director Agreements
On June 1, 2021; October 6, 2021; and February 20, 2023 we entered into Director Agreements with Mr. Lenner, Mr. Gao, and Ms. Bui, respectively, in connection with their services as directors of the Company.
Pursuant to their respective agreements, each of Messrs. Lenner and Gao and Ms. Bui agreed to serve as a director of the Company and to be available to perform the duties consistent with such position pursuant to the Certificate and Bylaws of the Company, and any additional codes, guidelines or policies of the Company that may be effective now or in the future. Each of the agreements continues in effect until the earliest of (a) such time as the applicable director resigns or is removed from office and (b) the death of the director.
Each agreement provides that, during the term of the applicable agreement, in exchange for their services, the Company shall issue to the applicable director a number of shares of common stock having a fair market value of $3,000 as of such date (with any partial quarter being pro-rated). The market value of the shares is determined in the same manner as for the executive’s employment agreements as discussed above.
Each of the directors’ agreements provides that if at the Company’s request the director attends any trade shows, events, or meetings which are independent of the director’s responsibility under the applicable agreement, the Company will pay the director $1,000 in cash per full day for such attendance or $500 in cash for a half day.
The director agreements provide that, during the applicable term, the Company will reimburse the applicable director for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in attending any in-person meetings, provided that the director complies with the generally applicable policies, practices and procedures of the Company for submission of expense reports, receipts or similar documentation of such expenses. Any reimbursements for allocated expenses (as compared to out-of-pocket expenses of the director in excess of $500) must be approved in advance by the Company.
Each of the director agreements contains customary confidentiality provisions, customary provisions relating to the Company’s ownership of intellectual property created by the applicable director, customary representations and warranties by the parties and other customary miscellaneous provisions.
Elements of Compensation
Mr. Lai and Ms. Yu were provided with the following primary elements of compensation in 2025 and 2024:
***Base Salary.***Mr. Lai and Ms. Yu received a fixed base salary in an amount determined by the Board of Directors based on a number of factors, including:
| ● | The nature, responsibilities and duties of the officer’s position; |
| ● | The officer’s expertise, demonstrated leadership ability and prior performance; |
| ● | The officer’s salary history and total compensation, including annual cash bonuses and long-term incentive compensation; and |
| ● | The competitiveness of the market for the officer’s services. |
The base salary for each of Mr. Lai and Ms. Yu for 2025 and 2024 is listed in “—2025 Summary Compensation Table.”
***Bonuses.***For the year ended December 31, 2025, we paid Mr. Lai and Ms. Yu a bonus of $600,000 and $550,000, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company paid Mr. Lai and Ms. Yu a bonus of $600,000 and $550,000, respectively.
The bonuses for 2025 and 2024 were determined based on peer comparable compensation paid in the Seattle, Washington area reported bywww.salary.com (https://www.salary.com/tools/salary-calculator/ceo/seattle-wa?view=table&type=bonus). According towww.salary.com, the CEO salary and bonus range in Seattle was $712,296 to $3,436,010 as updated on February 1, 2026. The $1,100,000 and $1,100,000 compensation (base salary and bonus) paid to Mr. Lai for 2025 and 2024, respectively, fell within such range and we believed such compensation to be reasonable due to the revenue growth in the Company in 2025 and 2024, respectively, due in large part to Mr. Lai’s leadership.
According towww.salary.com (https://www.salary.com/tools/salary-calculator/coo/seattle-wa?view=table&type=bonus), the salary and bonus range for Chief Operating Officer in Seattle was $418,929 and $1,609,384, as updated February 1, 2026. The $1,000,000 and $1,000,000 compensation (base salary and bonus) paid to Ms. Yu for 2025 and 2024, respectively, fell within such range and we believed to be reasonable due to Ms. Yu being instrumental in delivering revenue growth and high growth of new vendors to the Company in 2025 and 2024, respectively.
***Stock Awards.***On January 2, 2024, we issued 2,139 shares of common stock to each of Sam Lai, Maggie Yu, Michael Lenner, Douglas Branch, Alan Gao and Hillary Bui, with a fair market value of $1.4025 per share as compensation for the services as executives or directors of the Company pursuant to the terms of their respective Executive Employment Agreements or Director Agreements.
On March 29, 2024, we issued 2,251 shares of common stock to each of Sam Lai, Maggie Yu, Michael Lenner, Douglas Branch, Alan Gao and Hillary Bui, with a fair market value of $1.3330 per share as compensation for the services as executives or directors of the Company pursuant to the terms of their respective Executive Employment Agreements or Director Agreements.
On July 1, 2024, we issued 2,946 shares of common stock to each of Sam Lai, Maggie Yu, Michael Lenner, Douglas Branch, Alan Gao and Hillary Bui with a fair market value of $1.0185 per share as compensation for the services as executives or directors of the Company pursuant to the terms of their respective Executive Employment Agreements or Director Agreements. Subsequently, on July 22, 2024, Mr. Branch resigned his position as a member of our Board of Directors.
On July 25, 2024, following Mr. Branch’s resignation, we issued 6,000 shares of restricted common stock to Mr. Branch as compensation for services rendered.
On October 1, 2024, we issued 2,196 shares of common stock to each of Sam Lai, Maggie Yu, Michael Lenner, Alan Gao and Hillary Bui, with a fair market value of $1.3660 per share as compensation for the services as executives or directors of the Company pursuant to the terms of their respective Executive Employment Agreements or Director Agreements.
On January 2, 2025, the Company issued 1,596 shares of Company common stock to each of Sam Lai, Maggie Yu, Michael Lenner, Alan Gao and Hillary Bui, with a fair market value of $1.8799 per share as compensation for the services as executives or directors of the Company pursuant to the terms of their respective Executive Employment Agreements or Director Agreements with the Company.
On April 1, 2025, the Company issued 1,750 shares of Company common stock to each of Sam Lai, Maggie Yu, Michael Lenner, Alan Gao and Hillary Bui, with a fair market value of $1.7140 per share as compensation for the services as executives or directors of the Company pursuant to the terms of their respective Executive Employment Agreements or Director Agreements with the Company.
On July 2, 2025, the Company issued 2,275 shares of Company common stock to each of Sam Lai, Maggie Yu, Michael Lenner, Alan Gao and Hillary Bui, with a fair market value of $1.3185 per share as compensation for the services as executives or directors of the Company pursuant to the terms of their respective Executive Employment Agreements or Director Agreements with the Company.
On October 3, 2025, the Company issued 951 shares of Company common stock to each of Sam Lai, Maggie Yu, Michael Lenner, Alan Gao and Hillary Bui, with a fair market value of $3.1530 per share as compensation for the services as executives or directors of the Company pursuant to the terms of their respective Executive Employment Agreements or Director Agreements with the Company.
Other Benefits. In fiscal years 2025 and 2024, Mr. Lai and Ms. Yu were reimbursed for healthcare expenses. The amounts paid to Mr. Lai and Ms. Yu in 2025 and 2024 in respect of these benefits is reflected above in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table.
2021 Equity Incentive Plan
Overview
The Board of Directors and stockholders holding a majority of the Company’s voting capital approved and adopted the 2021 Plan on June 27, 2021. The 2021 Plan is administered by the Board or one or more committees appointed by the Board or another committee (“Administrator”). The Administrator, in its discretion, selects the individuals to whom awards may be granted, the time or times at which such awards are granted, and the terms of such awards. The 2021 Plan authorizes us to grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share unit, cash awards, other awards, and performance-based awards. Awards may be granted to our officers, employees, directors and consultants.
The purpose of the 2021 Plan is to promote the success of the Company and to increase stockholder value by providing an additional means through the grant of awards to attract, motivate, retain and reward selected employees and other eligible persons. The Board may, at any time, terminate or, from time to time, amend, modify or suspend the 2021 Plan, in whole or in part. To the extent then required by applicable law or any applicable stock exchange or required under the Code to preserve the intended tax consequences of the 2021 Plan, or deemed necessary or advisable by the Board, the 2021 Plan and any amendment to the 2021 Plan shall be subject to stockholder approval. Unless earlier terminated by the Board, the 2021 Plan will terminate 10 years from the date of adoption.
Authorized Shares
A total of 4,995,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were originally authorized for issuance pursuant to the 2021 Plan. Pursuant to the terms of the 2021 Plan and subject to adjustment as provided in the 2021 Plan, the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued under the 2021 Plan were cumulatively increased on January 1, 2022 and will be cumulatively increased on each subsequent January 1, by a number of shares equal to the smaller of (i) 3% of the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding on the immediately preceding December 31, or (ii) an amount determined by the Board. As of March 24, 2026, there were 9,152,213 shares available for issuance under the 2021 Plan.
Additionally, if any award issued pursuant to the 2021 Plan expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, is surrendered pursuant to an exchange program, as provided in the 2021 Plan, or, with respect to restricted stock, RSUs, performance units or performance shares, is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company due to the failure to vest, the unpurchased shares (or for awards other than stock options or stock appreciation rights the forfeited or repurchased shares) which were subject thereto will become available for future grant or sale under the 2021 Plan (unless the 2021 Plan has terminated). With respect to stock appreciation rights, only shares actually issued pursuant to a stock appreciation right will cease to be available under the 2021 Plan; all remaining shares under stock appreciation rights will remain available for future grant or sale under the 2021 Plan (unless the 2021 Plan has terminated). Shares that have actually been issued under the 2021 Plan under any award will not be returned to the 2021 Plan and will not become available for future distribution under the 2021 Plan; provided, however, that if shares issued pursuant to awards of restricted stock, RSUs, performance shares or performance units are repurchased by the Company or are forfeited to the Company due to the failure to vest, such shares will become available for future grant under the 2021 Plan. Shares used to pay the exercise price of an award or to satisfy the tax withholdings related to an award will become available for future grant or sale under the 2021 Plan. To the extent an award under the 2021 Plan is paid out in cash rather than shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of shares available for issuance under the 2021 Plan.
Notwithstanding the foregoing and, subject to adjustment as provided in the 2021 Plan, the maximum number of shares that may be issued upon the exercise of incentive stock options will equal the aggregate share number stated above, plus, to the extent allowable under Section 422 of the Code and regulations promulgated thereunder, any shares that become available for issuance under the 2021 Plan in accordance with the foregoing.
Plan Administration
The Board or one or more committees appointed by the Board will administer the 2021 Plan. In addition, if we determine it is desirable to qualify transactions under the 2021 Plan as exempt under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act such transactions will be structured with the intent that they satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3. Subject to the provisions of the 2021 Plan, the Administrator has the power to administer the 2021 Plan and make all determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the 2021 Plan, including the power to determine the fair market value of the Company’s common stock, select the service providers to whom awards may be granted, determine the number of shares covered by each award, approve forms of award agreements for use under the 2021 Plan, determine the terms and conditions of awards (including the exercise price, the time or times at which the awards may be exercised, any vesting acceleration or waiver or forfeiture restrictions and any restriction or limitation regarding any award or the shares relating thereto), construe and interpret the terms of the 2021 Plan and awards granted under it, prescribe, amend and rescind rules relating to the 2021 Plan, including creating sub-plans and modify or amend each award, including the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of awards (provided that no option or stock appreciation right will be extended past its original maximum term), and to allow a participant to defer the receipt of payment of cash or the delivery of shares that would otherwise be due to such participant under an award. The Administrator also has the authority to allow participants the opportunity to transfer outstanding awards to a financial institution or other person or entity selected by the Administrator and to institute an exchange program by which outstanding awards may be surrendered or cancelled in exchange for awards of the same type which may have a higher or lower exercise price or different terms, awards of a different type or cash, or by which the exercise price of an outstanding award is increased or reduced. The Administrator’s decisions, interpretations and other actions are final and binding on all participants.
Eligibility
Awards under the 2021 Plan, other than incentive stock options, may be granted to employees (including officers) of the Company or a subsidiary, members of our Board, or consultants engaged to render bona fide services to the Company or a subsidiary. Incentive stock options may be granted only to employees of the Company or a subsidiary.
Stock Options
Stock options may be granted under the 2021 Plan. The exercise price of options granted under the 2021 Plan generally must at least be equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. The term of each option will be as stated in the applicable award agreement; provided, however, that the term may be no more than 10 years from the date of grant. The Administrator will determine the methods of payment of the exercise price of an option, which may include cash, shares or other property acceptable to the administrator, as well as other types of consideration permitted by applicable law. After the termination of service of an employee, director or consultant, they may exercise their option for the period of time stated in their option agreement. In the absence of a specified time in an award agreement, if termination is due to death or disability, the option will remain exercisable for 12 months. In all other cases, in the absence of a specified time in an award agreement, the option will remain exercisable for three months following the termination of service. An option may not be exercised later than the expiration of its term. Subject to the provisions of the 2021 Plan, the Administrator determines the other terms of options.
Stock Appreciation Rights
Stock appreciation rights may be granted under the 2021 Plan. Stock appreciation rights allow the recipient to receive the appreciation in the fair market value of the Company’s common stock between the exercise date and the date of grant. Stock appreciation rights may not have a term exceeding 10 years. After the termination of service of an employee, director or consultant, they may exercise their stock appreciation right for the period of time stated in their stock appreciation right agreement. In the absence of a specified time in an award agreement, if termination is due to death or disability, the stock appreciation rights will remain exercisable for 12 months. In all other cases, in the absence of a specified time in an award agreement, the stock appreciation rights will remain exercisable for three months following the termination of service. However, in no event may a stock appreciation right be exercised later than the expiration of its term. Subject to the provisions of the 2021 Plan, the Administrator determines the other terms of stock appreciation rights, including when such rights become exercisable and whether to pay any increased appreciation in cash or with shares of the Company’s common stock, or a combination thereof, except that the per share exercise price for the shares to be issued pursuant to the exercise of a stock appreciation right will be no less than 100% of the fair market value per share on the date of grant.
Restricted Stock
Restricted stock may be granted under the 2021 Plan. Restricted stock awards are grants of shares of the Company’s common stock that vest in accordance with terms and conditions established by the Administrator. The administrator will determine the number of shares of restricted stock granted to any employee, director or consultant and, subject to the provisions of the 2021 Plan, will determine the terms and conditions of such awards. The administrator may impose whatever conditions to vesting it determines to be appropriate (for example, the administrator may set restrictions based on the achievement of specific performance goals or continued service to the Company); provided, however, that the administrator, in its sole discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed. Recipients of restricted stock awards generally will have voting and dividend rights with respect to such shares upon grant without regard to vesting, unless the Administrator provides otherwise. Shares of restricted stock that do not vest are subject to our right of repurchase or forfeiture.
Restricted Stock Units
RSUs may be granted under the 2021 Plan. RSUs are bookkeeping entries representing an amount equal to the fair market value of one share of the Company’s common stock. Subject to the provisions of the 2021 Plan, the administrator determines the terms and conditions of RSUs, including the vesting criteria and the form and timing of payment. The administrator may set vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, business unit or individual goals (including continued employment or service), applicable federal or state securities laws or any other basis determined by the administrator in its discretion. The administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned RSUs in the form of cash, in shares of the Company’s common stock or in some combination thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the administrator, in its sole discretion, may accelerate the time at which any vesting requirements will be deemed satisfied.
Performance Units and Performance Shares
Performance units and performance shares may be granted under the 2021 Plan. Performance units and performance shares are awards that will result in a payment to a participant only if performance goals established by the administrator are achieved or the awards otherwise vest. The Administrator will establish performance objectives or other vesting criteria in its discretion, which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number or the value of performance units and performance shares to be paid out to participants. The administrator may set performance objectives based on the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, business unit or individual goals (including continued employment or service), applicable federal or state securities laws or any other basis determined by the administrator in its discretion. After the grant of a performance unit or performance share, the administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any performance criteria or other vesting provisions for such performance units or performance shares. Performance units shall have an initial dollar value established by the administrator on or prior to the grant date. Performance shares shall have an initial value equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned performance units or performance shares in the form of cash, in shares or in some combination thereof.
Non-Employee Directors
The 2021 Plan provides that all non-employee directors will be eligible to receive all types of awards (except for incentive stock options) under the 2021 Plan. The 2021 Plan includes a maximum limit of $750,000 of equity awards that may be granted to a non-employee director in any fiscal year, increased to $1,500,000 in connection with his or her initial service. For purposes of this limitation, the value of equity awards is based on the grant date fair value (determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States). Any equity awards granted to a person for their services as an employee, or for their services as a consultant (other than as a non-employee director), will not count for purposes of the limitation. The maximum limit does not reflect the intended size of any potential compensation or equity awards to our non-employee directors.
Non-transferability of Awards
Unless the administrator provides otherwise, the 2021 Plan generally does not allow for the transfer of awards and only the recipient of an award may exercise an award during their lifetime. If the Administrator makes an award transferable, such award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.
Certain Adjustments
In the event of certain changes in our capitalization, to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits available under the 2021 Plan, the Administrator will adjust the number and class of shares that may be delivered under the 2021 Plan or the number, and price of shares covered by each outstanding award and the numerical share limits set forth in the 2021 Plan.
Dissolution or Liquidation
In the event of the Company’s proposed liquidation or dissolution, the administrator will notify participants as soon as practicable and all awards will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed transaction.
Merger or Change in Control
The 2021 Plan provides that in the event of the Company’s merger with or into another corporation or entity or a “change in control” (as defined in the 2021 Plan), each outstanding award will be treated as the administrator determines, including, without limitation, that (i) awards will be assumed, or substantially equivalent awards will be substituted, by the acquiring or succeeding corporation (or an affiliate thereof) with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices; (ii) upon written notice to a participant, that the participant’s awards will terminate upon or immediately prior to the consummation of such merger or change in control; (iii) outstanding awards will vest and become exercisable, realizable or payable, or restrictions applicable to an award will lapse, in whole or in part, prior to or upon consummation of such merger or change in control and, to the extent the administrator determines, terminate upon or immediately prior to the effectiveness of such merger or change in control; (iv) (A) the termination of an award in exchange for an amount of cash or property, if any, equal to the amount that would have been attained upon the exercise of such award or realization of the participant’s rights as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction (and, for the avoidance of doubt, if as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction the administrator determines in good faith that no amount would have been attained upon the exercise of such award or realization of the participant’s rights, then such award may be terminated by the Company without payment) or (B) the replacement of such award with other rights or property selected by the administrator in its sole discretion; or (v) any combination of the foregoing. The administrator will not be obligated to treat all awards, all awards a participant holds, or all awards of the same type, similarly. In the event that awards (or portion thereof) are not assumed or substituted for in the event of a merger or change in control, the participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of their outstanding options and stock appreciation rights, including shares as to which such awards would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on restricted stock and RSUs will lapse and, with respect to awards with performance-based vesting, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at 100% of target levels and all other terms and conditions met, in all cases, unless specifically provided otherwise under the applicable award agreement or other written agreement between the participant and the Company or any of the Company’s subsidiaries or parents, as applicable. If an option or stock appreciation right is not assumed or substituted in the event of a merger or change in control, the administrator will notify the participant in writing or electronically that the option or stock appreciation right will be exercisable for a period of time determined by the administrator in its sole discretion and the vested option or stock appreciation right will terminate upon the expiration of such period.
For awards granted to an outside director, the outside director will fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of their outstanding options and stock appreciation rights, all restrictions on restricted stock and RSUs will lapse and, for awards with performance-based vesting, unless specifically provided for in the award agreement, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at 100% of target levels and all other terms and conditions met.
Clawback
Awards will be subject to any Company clawback policy that we are required to adopt pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which our securities are listed or as is otherwise required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other applicable laws. The Administrator also may specify in an award agreement that the participant’s rights, payments or benefits with respect to an award will be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment upon the occurrence of certain specified events. The Board may require a participant to forfeit, return or reimburse the Company all or a portion of the award or shares issued under the award, any amounts paid under the award and any payments or proceeds paid or provided upon disposition of the shares issued under the award in order to comply with such clawback policy or applicable laws.
Amendment and Termination
The Administrator has the authority to amend, suspend or terminate the 2021 Plan provided such action does not impair the existing rights of any participant. The 2021 Plan automatically will terminate on June 27, 2031, unless it is terminated sooner.
Executive Compensation Philosophy
Our Board of Directors determines the compensation given to our executive officers in its sole determination. Our Board of Directors reserves the right to pay our executives or any future executives a salary, and/or issue them shares of common stock issued in consideration for services rendered and/or to award incentive bonuses which are linked to our performance, as well as to the individual executive officer’s performance. This package may also include long-term stock-based compensation to certain executives, which is intended to align the performance of our executives with our long-term business strategies. Additionally, while our Board of Directors has not granted any performance base stock options to date, the Board of Directors reserves the right to grant such options in the future, if the Board in its sole determination believes such grants would be in the best interests of the Company.
Incentive Bonus
Our Board of Directors may grant incentive bonuses to our executive officers and/or future executive officers in its sole discretion, if the Board of Directors believes such bonuses are in the Company’s best interest, after analyzing our current business objectives and growth, if any, and the amount of revenue we are able to generate each month, which revenue is a direct result of the actions and ability of such executives.
Long-Term, Stock-Based Compensation
In order to attract, retain and motivate executive talent necessary to support the Company’s long-term business strategy, we may award our executives and any future executives with long-term, stock-based compensation in the future, at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.